Riverbend Park in Palisade, Colorado

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We went to Riverbend Park in Palisade, CO yesterday. 

It was a perfect afternoon.

Once again, Hannah got to go into the water, this time the Colorado River. She is funny about the way that she spends her time there. She doesn't really want to swim. She just wants to stand or sit in it.

Three Dog Night

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Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area - Cactus Park Trail

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(left click on pictures to see them full size)

 

 Hiked today in the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area.

 The trail we hiked was called Cactus Park Trail,

although this sign had the name misspelled...

 Hannah was ready to go as always.

 Today she had to share the trail... with Smudgie.

 They both got to see some pretty spectacular views.

 Check out the mountains in the distance.

 Rachael spotted this beetle on the trail.

I've never seen one, so I don't know what it is yet.

 Close-up Shot.

The beetle was this big...

We could see the river winding through the valley below.

 This layer of red rock was pretty in the afternoon sun.

 Hannah found water... of course. She is a true water dog.

 Smudgie wasn't convinced.

Video of Hannah enjoying the desert "puddle."

We headed back right after this.

This is a happy Hannah hiker.

Not sure who's copying who.

The End.

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Hannah Hiking Centennial Cone Park

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(left click on the pictures to enlarge)

We went for a hike at Centennial Cone Park on Saturday. The Indian Gulch Fire started nearby today - Sunday. We were lucky that we went yesterday because the stretch of road where we were picked up at the end of our hike was closed down today. My best wishes to all the folks who live near this area. Hopefully the fire will be under control very soon.

The trail we took winds 11 miles through the mountains. Hannah was off the leash outside for the first time since she found us.

Her happiness and exuberance came shining through.

We were all treated to some pretty spectacular views.

Hannah enjoyed eating and "slurping" up the snow along the way.

She ran off the trail twice. 

The first time was to make a beeline for this stream.

She lay down in it for about 5 minutes.

This is the spot next to the one Hannah found where we stopped for a while to enjoy some trail mix, have some water, and lay in the sun with our eyes closed for a quick cat nap.

She had a hiking buddy, Mushka (a.k.a. Mooshoo). They had a great time together. If you expand this picture, you can see Hannah and Mooshoo together on the trail.

The mountains in the distance looked mystical.

The second time Hannah left the trail was to climb about 50 yards up the mountainside. She brought us back this lovely gift. It had us wondering who else was sharing this trail with us.

By this point on the trail, we were all feeling weary,
but not this hiking dog!

There is a great trail-sharing program in place on these trails.
On weekends, mountain bikers bike on the even numbered days.
Hikers hike on the odd numbered days.

The end of the line, quite a few hours later after a great workout with some amazing views.  We had begun on the Travois Trail at the north parking area, headed south around the eastern edge of the park, then west across the southern edge to the Mayhem Gulch trail in the southwest corner.  Then we turned off onto the Mayhem Gulch trail heading southeast towards the parking lot indicated in this sign. We were all tired, but happy to have enjoyed this beautiful hike. Hannah slept the entire 4 hours back to Grand Junction.
  She never made a sound.

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Corn Lake Section of James M. Robb State Park

(left click on each of these pictures to see them full size)

We walked the Corn Lake portion of the James M. Robb State Park

We got to meet this miniature horse, and her owners.

Hannah got to go into the water for the first time since she found us.

Here she is barking suspiciously at a rock in the water.

"It's Alive!"

Bean protested a bit, but managed to make it the whole way.

Now everyone is settled in for an afternoon nap.

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Hannah Banana

We found a SUPER SWEET hiking dog today being adopted out at Petsmart. Her name is Hannah Banana. She was originally taken from a badly run shelter in Arkansas who had over 120 dogs. Hannah Banana has a new home now. She is very submissive with the other dogs, loves walks, and flops over when she is petted like a girl version of Purr Bot. I'll be posting more pics of Hannah on this page below the news articles over the next week or so.

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From a sad beginning to a happy home: The story of the "hoarding" shelter where Hannah Banana was rescued by the ASPCA along with more than 120 other dogs.  

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This video tells the tale of all the hard work and sacrifice that went into preparing Hannah for her new home. We are indeed thankful to Dr. Corry Key and Justin Key for organizing the efforts that led Hannah to our door.

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 Scarlet quickly warmed up to Hannah.

 

 

 

 Hannah playing with Bean and Smudgie within an hour of arriving.

Sleeping at the end of a long day.

First wake up in the house. Hannah plays with the zebra toy.

She is very calm, 

but gets a LOT of energy quickly when it's time for a walk.

Zero to Sixty in 5 seconds.

Perfect running and hiking companion!

 

Such a sweet girl!

 

 

 

 Bean seems to think of Hannah as her new mom. 

Hannah seems content with that role.

 

 

 Let sleeping dogs lie... (including Scarlet, at the top corner of the pic)

Bean is raring to go. Hannah is just content to be on her back and indiscreet.

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